RAWALPINDI: A heat wave has gripped the twin cities with temperatures rising to 39°C on Tuesday, and the meteorology department has predicted that these weather conditions will continue for a few days.

Temperatures rose in Rawalpindi and Islamabad during Eid after a brief spell of rain on Friday. A Met official said that this weather is typical before the start of the monsoon, and temperatures will continue to rise in the coming days.

He said hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the Punjab, while central and southern areas will be very hot.

Dust-raising winds and an isolated thunderstorm with light rain are expected in Kashmir, south Punjab and northeast Balochistan on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

“Daytime temperatures are expected to increase by 3 to 4°C in most of the plain areas. Highest daytime temperatures may reach 50°C in Jacobabad and Mohenjo-daro while Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Padidan and Bhakkar [could reach 49°C]. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the mercury level may reach 41°C in these days,” he said.

Doctors have advised that people avoid direct exposure to the sun during the heatwave, which will continue for a week. People should cover their head and neck before going outside.

Dr Rana Azeem from the Benazir Bhutto Hospital said that people should increase their water intake, and that drinking salted lassi before going outside could help avoid excessive perspiration.

He added that people should remember to wash their hands before eating anything and avoid eating food from outside as this could cause diarrhoea.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2020